Inspection system

Abstract

To improve usability related to inspection of an image on a sheet.SOLUTION: An inspection system is provided, comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a reading unit that reads the image formed on the sheet; and a controller. The controller acquires reference image data for image inspection inspecting the image formed on the sheet, on the basis of the acquired reference image data, executes the image inspection for a result of reading performed by the reading unit, and controls a display to display a preview screen related to the image inspection. When the image includes a mark indicating a cutting position of the sheet, the preview screen includes a main image including the mark, and an additional image added to the main image and indicating a second area outside a first area corresponding to the sheet after cutting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection system for inspecting an image on a sheet.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an inspection system for inspecting an image on a sheet by reading a sheet on which an image is formed by a printer with a scanner arranged at the subsequent stage of the printer and analyzing the read image. For example, the color tone of an image can be inspected by comparing a read image of three color components (for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B)) in bitmap format with a corresponding reference image. A sheet for which a defect is detected as a result of the inspection can be discharged to a discharge destination for defective sheets in order to distinguish it from normal sheets.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of inspecting only an area specified by a user via a user interface among inspected images. Patent Document 1 also describes prompting the user to change the designation of the inspection target area when the specified inspection target area includes a margin area of a document or a gradation patch area for calibration, and that those areas can be trimmed in post-processing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, it is not easy for the user to accurately specify the area to be inspected or the area to be excluded from the inspection via the UI. For example, when a certain part of the sheet is cut in post-processing, the part removed by the cutting does not affect the quality of the final product. Therefore, if the specification of the exclusion area lacks accuracy, there will be a situation where a sheet that is actually problem-free as a product is judged to be defective, resulting in a deterioration of the product yield and a decrease in usability.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure aims to improve the usability related to the inspection of images on a sheet.

[0007] From a certain perspective, an inspection system includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a reading unit that reads the image formed on the sheet, and a controller. The controller acquires reference image data for image inspection for inspecting the image formed on the sheet, executes the image inspection on the reading result by the reading unit based on the acquired reference image data, and controls a display to display a preview screen related to the image inspection. When the image includes a mark indicating a cutting position of the sheet, the preview screen includes a main image including the mark and an attached image attached to the main image, the attached image indicating a second region outside a first region corresponding to the sheet after cutting.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the usability related to the inspection of images on a sheet can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] <1. Overview of the System> FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of an inspection system 100 according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1A, the inspection system 100 includes an operation unit 20, an image forming apparatus 30, a control device 40, and an inspection device 50. Referring to FIG. 1B, the inspection system 100 further includes a stacker 60 and a finisher 70.

[0012] (1) Operation unit The operation unit 20 includes an input device and an output device, and provides a user interface (UI) to the user. The operation unit 20 receives user input via the input device, and transmits an input signal corresponding to the received user input to the control device 40. Further, the operation unit 20 outputs information from the output device based on the output signal received from the control device 40 (for example, displays an image on a display or outputs voice from a speaker).

[0013] (2) Image forming apparatus The image forming apparatus 30 is a device that forms an image on a sheet (also referred to as a printer). In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 30 is a color printer capable of forming a color image. In other embodiments, the image forming apparatus 30 may be a monochrome printer. The image forming apparatus 30 includes an image forming unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K, an intermediate transfer body 6, a transfer unit 7, a fixing unit 8, a cleaner 9, two paper feed cassettes 11, and a feeding mechanism.

[0014] The image forming unit 10Y forms a yellow (Y) toner image on the intermediate transfer member 6. The image forming unit 10M forms a magenta (M) toner image on the intermediate transfer member 6. The image forming unit 10C forms a cyan (C) toner image on the intermediate transfer member 6. The image forming unit 10K forms a black (K) toner image on the intermediate transfer member 6. Since the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K have the same configuration as each other, the configuration of the image forming unit 10Y will be described here as an example. The image forming unit 10Y includes a photosensitive drum 1, a charger 2, an exposure device 3, and a developing device 4. The photosensitive drum 1 is a drum-shaped photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer on its surface. The photosensitive drum 1 rotates about the drum axis in the direction of arrow R in the figure. The charger 2 uniformly charges the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 1. The exposure device 3 irradiates the photosensitive drum 1 with laser light according to image data (here, representing a yellow image) input from the control device 40. The laser light output from the exposure device 3 scans the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 1 in the drum axis direction, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The developing device 4 supplies (here, yellow) toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1. As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The yellow toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 in the image forming unit 10Y is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 6. Further, the magenta, cyan, and black toner images formed on the surfaces of the respective photosensitive drums in the image forming units 10M, 10C, and 10K are transferred to the intermediate transfer member 6 in order in a manner that they are superimposed on the yellow toner image. Thereby, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 6. The intermediate transfer member 6 is an endless belt member and rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure. The intermediate transfer member 6 conveys the full-color toner image to the position (transfer position) of the transfer unit 7.

[0015] Each paper feed cassette 11 houses a stack of sheets. The sheets are picked up from one of the paper feed cassettes 11 by the pickup roller 12 and conveyed along the conveyance path 13. The sheets are conveyed to the transfer position in accordance with the timing at which the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 6 reaches the transfer position under the control of the control device 40.

[0016] The transfer unit 7 transfers the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer member 6 to the sheet at the transfer position. The fixing device 8 includes a heater and a pressure roller. The fixing device 8 heats the toner image transferred to the sheet by the heater and pressurizes it by the pressure roller. Thereby, the toner on the sheet melts and the toner image is fixed to the sheet. The cleaner 9 is disposed on the downstream side of the transfer position on the orbit of the intermediate transfer member 6 and removes the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member 6 after the transfer of the toner image.

[0017] The conveyance path 13 branches into conveyance paths 14 and 15 downstream of the fixing device 8. The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 8 is once conveyed from the conveyance path 13 to the conveyance path 15. When the trailing edge of the sheet enters the conveyance path 15, the conveyance direction is reversed, and the sheet is discharged from the discharge roller 17 to the inspection device 50. Through such conveyance, the sheet is discharged in a state where the surface on which the image is formed faces downward (referred to as face-down). When double-sided printing is performed, the sheet that has entered the conveyance path 15 is conveyed to the conveyance path 16, returns from the conveyance path 16 to the conveyance path 13, and passes through the transfer position again in a form where the front and back are reversed. At the transfer position, a toner image is formed on the back surface of the sheet by the transfer unit 7, and the toner image is fixed to the sheet by the fixing device 8. The sheet on which images are formed on both sides is discharged from the discharge roller 17 to the inspection device 50.

[0018] (3) Control device The control device 40 interacts with the user via the operation unit 20 or the host computer 90 described later, and controls the operations of the image forming apparatus 30, the inspection device 50, the stacker 60, and the finisher 70. The control device 40 may be a part of the image forming apparatus 30 or the inspection device 50. For example, when a user requests execution of a print job, the control device 40 controls the image forming apparatus 30 to form an image based on the specified input image data on the sheet. Details of the configuration of the control device 40 will be further described later.

[0019] (4) Inspection device The inspection device 50 is arranged downstream of the image forming device 30. The inspection device 50 includes a conveyance path 51, conveyance rollers 52 and 53, a first reading unit 54a, a second reading unit 54b, and an inspection controller 55. The conveyance roller 52 receives the sheet discharged from the image forming device 30 and conveys the sheet along the conveyance path 51. The first reading unit 54a optically reads an image formed on the lower surface of the sheet passing through the reading position of the first reading unit 54a to generate read image data, and outputs the generated read image data to the inspection controller 55. The first reading unit 54a has, for example, one or more white LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that irradiate white light onto the sheet, and a pixel array of an image sensor that detects the reflected light reflected on the lower surface of the sheet. The image sensor here may be, for example, a contact image sensor (CIS) or a line scan camera. The image sensor typically decomposes the reflected light from the sheet into three color components with an RGB color filter and receives the light. Therefore, the read image data output from the first reading unit 54a is raster format data indicating a three-dimensional vector having three RGB color component values for each pixel. The second reading unit 54b optically reads an image formed on the upper surface of the sheet passing through the reading position of the second reading unit 54b to generate read image data, and outputs the generated read image data to the inspection controller 55. The second reading unit 54b may be configured in the same manner as the first reading unit 54a, and the read image data output from the second reading unit 54b is also raster format data indicating a three-dimensional vector having three RGB color component values for each pixel. That is, the inspection device 50 can read an image on the sheet while conveying the sheet. The conveyance roller 53 discharges the sheet that has passed through the reading positions of the first reading unit 54a and the second reading unit 54b to the stacker 60. The inspection controller 55 cooperates with the control device 40 to control the operation of the inspection device 50 and inspect the image formed on the sheet. Details of the configuration of the inspection controller 55 will be further described later.

[0020] (5) Stacker The stacker 60 is a loading device arranged at the subsequent stage of the inspection device 50. Referring to FIG. 1B, the stacker 60 includes a conveyance path 61, 62, 63, 64, a large-capacity tray 65, and a purge tray 66. The stacker 60 receives the sheet delivered from the inspection device 50 into the conveyance path 61. The conveyance path 61 branches into a conveyance path 62 leading to the large-capacity tray 65, a conveyance path 63 leading to the purge tray 66, and a conveyance path 64 leading to the finisher 70. For example, a sheet for which a defect is detected as a result of the inspection by the inspection device 50 can be discharged to the purge tray 66 through the conveyance path 63 under the control of the control device 40. Also, a sheet that requires post-processing by the finisher 70 can be discharged to the finisher 70, and other sheets can be discharged to the large-capacity tray 65.

[0021] (6) Finisher The finisher 70 is a post-processing device arranged at the subsequent stage of the stacker 60. Referring to FIG. 1B, the finisher 70 includes a conveyance path 71, discharge trays 72, 73, 74, and a post-processing unit 75. The finisher 70 receives the sheet delivered from the stacker 60 into the conveyance path 71 and discharges it to any one of the discharge trays 72, 73, and 74. The post-processing unit 75 is disposed on the way of the conveyance path leading to the discharge tray 74 and performs post-processing on one or more sheets. For example, the post-processing unit 75 has a mechanism for performing one or more of a binding process of binding a sheet bundle with staples, a bookbinding process of folding a sheet bundle in half and binding it, and a cutting process of cutting a sheet bundle. The post-processing unit 75 performs the designated post-processing under the control of the control device 40.

[0022] <2. Configuration Example of Control Device> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the detailed configuration of the operation unit 20 and the control device 40. Referring to FIG. 2, the operation unit 20 includes a display device 21 and an input device 22. The control device 40 includes a CPU 201, a memory 203, a communication circuit 205, and an image processing unit 207.

[0023] The display device 21 is an example of an output device. The display device 21 may form a touch panel together with the input device 22. The input device 22 may include, for example, one or more of input keys, touch sensors, buttons, and switches. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 20 may further include a microphone and a speaker for voice input and output.

[0024] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is a processor that controls the overall operation of the inspection system 100. The CPU 201 may include a plurality of processors or CPU cores. Note that some or all of the functions described below in relation to the CPU 201 may be realized by a hardware circuit different from the CPU 201.

[0025] The memory 203 is a storage device that may include one or more of a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), and a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0026] The communication circuit 205 is a circuit for the control device 40 to communicate with other devices. The communication circuit 205 may include a network interface (I / F) connected to a local area network (LAN). The CPU 201 communicates with a host computer 90, which is a type of information processing device, via the communication circuit 205 and the LAN. Further, the communication circuit 205 may include a connection I / F that mediates the connection between the control device 40 and the operation unit 20, the image forming device 30, the inspection device 50, the stacker 60, and the finisher 70.

[0027] By executing the control program 221 loaded into the RAM, the CPU 201 functions as a setting unit 211, a job control unit 213, and a notification unit 215.

[0028] The setting unit 211 cooperates with the inspection setting unit 312 of the inspection controller 55 described later to manage the settings related to image formation and inspection in the inspection system 100. The setting unit 211 provides a UI for receiving settings that can be specified by the user via the operation unit 20. The UI provided by the setting unit 211 includes several setting screens that will be described in detail later. The setting unit 211 causes the display device 21 to display the setting screen and receives user input via the input device 22. The setting unit 211 generates setting data 223 according to the received user input and stores the generated setting data 223 in the memory 203.

[0029] The job control unit 213 controls the execution of jobs in the inspection system 100. For example, the job control unit 213 receives a request to execute a printing job via the operation unit 20 or the communication circuit 205. The job control unit 213 stores the input image data 225 designated as the printing target in the memory 203. The image processing unit 207 performs image processing such as rasterization, color space conversion, resolution conversion, and binarization on the input image data 225. The image processing unit 207 may include a raster image processor (RIP) that expands page description language (PDL) data into raster image data in bitmap format. Then, the job control unit 213 controls the image forming apparatus 30 to form an image based on the input image data 225 processed by the image processing unit 207 on a sheet according to the setting data 223.

[0030] When the execution of a print job involving inspection is requested, the job control unit 213 controls the inspection device 50 to inspect the image formed on the sheet by the image forming apparatus 30 (hereinafter referred to as the inspected image). For example, the job control unit 213 transmits reference image data 325 representing a reference image serving as a reference for inspection to the inspection controller 55. The reference image data 325 may typically be RGB data in bitmap format corresponding to the input image data 225. Also, the job control unit 213 transmits inspection setting data 323 indicating inspection-related settings among the setting data 223 to the inspection controller 55. The inspection controller 55 inspects the inspected image using the reference image data 325 in accordance with the inspection setting data 323, as will be described in detail later, and transmits the inspection result to the control device 40. The job control unit 213 controls the stacker 60 to switch the discharge destination of the sheet based on the inspection result received from the inspection controller 55. For example, as described above, the sheet on which a defect is detected may be discharged to the purge tray 66 of the stacker 60. On the other hand, the sheet on which no defect is detected may be discharged to, for example, a tray different from the purge tray 66 (the tray serving as the discharge destination for normal sheets).

[0031] When the execution of a print job involving post-processing is requested, the job control unit 213 controls the post-processing unit 75 of the finisher 70 to execute the specified post-processing. For example, the job control unit 213 may cause the post-processing unit 75 to execute one or more of binding processing, bookbinding processing, and cutting processing on the sheet bundle.

[0032] The notification unit 215 uses the display device 21 to notify the user of the execution result of the print job and the inspection result regarding the inspected image. For example, the notification unit 215 may cause the display device 21 to display the result of pass (normal) or fail (defect) for each of the sheets to be inspected. Also, the notification unit 215 may cause the display device 21 to display the cause of the defect and the detection position of the defect for the sheet on which a defect is detected. Note that the notification unit 215 may notify the user of the inspection result by voice, or may transmit a message (e.g., in email format) describing the inspection result to the host computer 90.

[0033] <3. Configuration Example of Inspection Controller> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the detailed configuration of the inspection controller 55. Referring to FIG. 3, the inspection controller 55 includes a CPU 301, a memory 303, and a communication circuit 305.

[0034] The CPU 301 is a processor that controls the overall operation of the inspection apparatus 50. The CPU 301 may include a plurality of processors or CPU cores. Note that some or all of the functions described below in relation to the CPU 301 may be realized by a hardware circuit different from the CPU 301.

[0035] The memory 303 is a storage device that may include one or more of a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, and an HDD. The communication circuit 305 is a circuit for the inspection apparatus 50 to communicate with other devices. The communication circuit 305 may include a connection I / F that mediates the connection between the inspection apparatus 50 and the operation unit 20, the image forming apparatus 30, the control apparatus 40, the stacker 60, and the finisher 70.

[0036] The CPU 301 functions as an inspection unit 311, a conveyance control unit 313, and a reading control unit 315 by executing a control program 321 loaded into the RAM. The inspection unit 311 includes an inspection setting unit 312.

[0037] The inspection unit 311 receives inspection setting data 323 and reference image data 325 together with a control signal instructing the execution of an inspection from the control apparatus 40. As described above, the reference image data 325 may be RGB data in bitmap format corresponding to the input image data 225 and represents a reference image for the inspection. The inspection unit 311 stores the inspection setting data 323 and the reference image data 325 in the memory 303. The inspection setting unit 312 analyzes the reference image represented by the reference image data 325 and adds settings necessary for the execution of the inspection to the inspection setting data 323. Then, the inspection unit 311 starts the execution of the inspection.

[0038] Under the control of the inspection unit 311, the transport control unit 313 drives the motor 330 to rotate the transport rollers 52 and 53 so that the sheet is transported along the transport path 51 at an appropriate timing.

[0039] The reading control unit 315 controls the first reading unit 54a to optically read the inspection target image on the lower surface of the sheet at the timing when the sheet reaches the reading position of the first reading unit 54a. The reading control unit 315 acquires the read image data generated by the first reading unit 54a as a result of the reading. Further, when both sides of the sheet are inspection targets, the reading control unit 315 controls the second reading unit 54b to optically read the inspection target image on the upper surface of the sheet at the timing when the sheet reaches the reading position of the second reading unit 54b. The reading control unit 315 acquires the read image data generated by the second reading unit 54b as a result of the reading. The reading control unit 315 stores the acquired read image data in the memory 303 as inspection read image data 327. The inspection read image data 327 represents the inspection target image (of each surface) of each sheet to be inspected.

[0040] The inspection unit 311 inspects the inspection target image by comparing the reference image data 325 and the inspection read image data 327. This inspection is also referred to as image inspection. For example, the inspection unit 311 may determine whether the image data satisfies at least one of the following defect conditions, and if the defect condition is satisfied, determine that there is a defect in the inspection target image (the inspection target image is defective): · The difference in color between the inspection target image and the reference image exceeds a threshold value · The positional deviation between the inspection target image and the reference image exceeds a threshold value · There is a stain or streak of a size exceeding the threshold value in the inspection target image · There is a difference in the result of optical character recognition (OCR) between the inspection target image and the reference image Note that these conditions may be combined in any way with each other. If the image data does not satisfy the defect conditions, the inspection unit 311 may determine that there is no defect (normal) in the inspected image. The inspection unit 311 performs such inspection for each of the inspected images and transmits the inspection results to the control device 40.

[0041] <4. Details of Inspection-related Settings> In this embodiment, the inspection-related settings include at least an inspection exclusion area. The inspection unit 311 excludes the image area set in the inspection exclusion area from the inspected image. For example, the inspection unit 311 does not compare the image data for the inspection exclusion area, or even if a defect is detected in the inspection exclusion area based on the comparison, it does not determine that the sheet is non-conforming.

[0042] In addition, the inspection-related settings may include an inspection level. In this case, the inspection unit 311 inspects the inspected image at the inspection level set from among a plurality of inspection level candidates (hereinafter referred to as candidate levels). The higher (stricter) the inspection level, the smaller the difference between the inspected image and the reference image can be detected as a defect. For example, among the inspection levels "A" and "B", assume that the inspection level "A" is higher. In this case, the threshold value (for example, the threshold value in the above-described defect conditions) used for the inspection at the inspection level "A" is smaller than the threshold value used for the inspection at the inspection level "B". In the following description, the inspection level is represented by an integer value, and a larger numerical value corresponds to a higher inspection level. For example, the inspection level may be one of the three candidate levels of level 1 to level 3. The inspection level may be set commonly over all areas other than the inspection exclusion area, or may be set individually for each specific sub-area.

[0043] As described above, the inspection setting unit 312 manages inspection-related settings in cooperation with the setting unit 211 of the control device 40. Some of the settings are received via the UI provided by the operation unit 20. However, if the inspection exclusion area is set relying only on user input, there is a risk of a decrease in usability or productivity, such as a sheet being determined as defective even though it is actually acceptable due to inaccurate area designation.

[0044] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the inspection setting unit 312 detects a predetermined mark in the reference image or the image to be inspected, and sets an image area based on the detection position of the predetermined mark as the inspection exclusion area. For example, the inspection setting unit 312 may detect a predetermined mark by performing pattern matching to search for a pattern image of the predetermined mark in the reference image data 325. The predetermined mark may be commonly defined for multiple users or may be user-specific. In the latter case, the inspection setting unit 312 may receive the registration of the pattern image of the user-specific mark via the UI. The image data representing the pattern image may be stored in advance in the memory 303.

[0045] As an example, the predetermined mark may be a cutting mark (also referred to as a cutting arrow) indicating the cutting position of the sheet. The cutting mark is arranged, for example, at a position offset by the amount of the margin removed by cutting from the four corners of the sheet. Since the portion of the sheet removed by cutting does not affect the quality of the final product, by excluding the image area outside the cutting mark from the inspection, errors in determining the quality of the product can be reduced. That is, the inspection setting unit 312 determines the area outside the detection position of the cutting mark as the image area to be set as the inspection exclusion area. In the printing settings described later, when the cutting process is enabled, the post-processing unit 75 of the finisher 70 may automatically cut the sheet or the sheet bundle at the cutting position corresponding to the detection position of the cutting mark. As another example, instead of being performed by the post-processing unit 75, the cutting may be performed using a cutting machine separate from the inspection system 100.

[0046] As described above, excluding an image area from inspection does not necessarily mean that no inspection-related processing is performed on that image area. For example, the inspection unit 311 may compare the reference image data 325 with the inspection read image data 327 for the inspection exclusion area to determine whether the above-described defect conditions are satisfied, and record the determination result in the inspection log. In this case, a sheet in which a defect is detected in the inspection target area is discharged to the purge tray 66 as a defective sheet, while a sheet in which a defect is detected only in the inspection exclusion area can be discharged to a tray for normal sheets. By viewing the inspection log, the user or engineer can know that there are potential defects in the inspection exclusion area.

[0047] The setting unit 211 of the control device 40 and the inspection setting unit 312 of the inspection controller 55 can provide various UIs for settings related to image formation and inspection to the user. Hereinafter, three embodiments regarding the UI provided to the user and the flow of related processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 12.

[0048] <4-1. First Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the inspection setting unit 312 displays a preview based on the reference image data on the display screen. Further, when the inspection setting unit 312 receives a user input instructing the setting of an inspection exclusion area using a predetermined mark, the inspection setting unit 312 sets an image area based on the detection position of the predetermined mark as the inspection exclusion area. The inspection setting unit 312 superimposes a label indicating the image area to be the inspection exclusion area, which is determined based on the detection position of the predetermined mark, on the preview of the reference image.

[0049] (1) Printing Setting Screen FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a print setting screen according to the first embodiment. The print setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 4 can be displayed on the display device 21 or the display of the host computer 90 when, for example, the user instructs the inspection system 100 to execute a print job. The print setting screen 110 includes a first setting button 111, a second setting button 112, a detailed setting section 113, a cancel button 118, and a print start button 119. The detailed setting section 113 includes a radio button 114, an inspection setting button 115, and a post-processing setting button 116.

[0050] The first setting button 111 is a button for specifying a color mode (color or monochrome). The second setting button 112 is a button for specifying the type of sheet used for printing. Depending on the type of sheet specified using the second setting button 112, the paper feed cassette 11 of the sheet feed source may be switched. The cancel button 118 is a button for canceling the execution of the print job and closing the print setting screen 110. The print start button 119 is a button for instructing the execution of the print job.

[0051] In the detailed setting section 113, the radio button 114 is an object for selecting whether to enable inspection of the image formed on the sheet in the print job. The inspection setting button 115 is a button for calling up a setting screen for inspection-related settings. When the user operates the inspection setting button 115, the print setting screen 110 transitions to the inspection setting screen 120 shown in FIG. 5A. The post-processing setting button 116 is a button for calling up a setting screen for post-processing settings such as binding processing, bookbinding processing, and cutting processing.

[0052] (2) Inspection Setting Screen FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of the configuration of an inspection setting screen according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5A, the inspection setting screen 120 includes a preview section 121, a pull-down menu 122, a check box 123, a cancel button 128, and a print start button 129.

[0053] The preview section 121 is a section where a preview of a reference image is displayed. The preview section 121 may be regarded as a preview screen related to image inspection. In the example of FIG. 5A, the reference image displayed in the preview section 121 includes four cutting marks M1. Here, the four cutting marks M1 are both in the form of two Ls stacked on top of each other, but rotated 90 degrees from each other. The pull-down menu 122 is an object for allowing the user to set a desired inspection level for image inspection from among a plurality of candidate levels. In the first embodiment, the inspection level selected via the pull-down menu 122 can be commonly applied to all image areas other than the inspection exclusion area. The check box 123 is an object for enabling automatic setting of an inspection exclusion area using a predetermined mark (for example, a cutting mark). In the example of FIG. 5A, since the check box 123 is checked, the automatic setting of the inspection exclusion area is effective. Therefore, in the preview section 121, a label 124a indicating, by hatching, an image area determined based on the detection position of the cutting mark M1 is superimposed on the preview of the reference image (also referred to as the main image). The label 124a is also referred to as an applied image in the sense that it is applied to and displayed on the main image in the preview section 121. In the example of FIG. 5A, the label 124a indicates an outer area (second area) that occupies an area outside the area corresponding to the sheet after cutting (first area). The first area is a rectangular area inside the label 124a. The user can grasp on the screen that the image area covered by this label 124a is set as the inspection exclusion area and excluded from image inspection. For example, the inner boundary line of the label 124a may substantially coincide with the cutting line in subsequent cutting.

[0054] It can also be said that the check box 123 is an object for allowing the user to set whether to exclude the second area from the image inspection. When the check box 123 is checked, the inspection setting unit 312 accepts the user setting to exclude the second area from the image inspection. When the check box 123 is not checked, the inspection setting unit 312 accepts the user setting not to exclude the second area from the image inspection. When the inspection setting unit 312 accepts the user setting to exclude the second area from the image inspection via the check box 123, if a cutting mark is detected in the reference image, the label 124a may be displayed on the preview section 121. The label 124a indicates an automatically detected inspection exclusion area. When no cutting mark is detected in the reference image (or when no cutting mark is included in the image), the label 124a does not have to be displayed in the preview section 121.

[0055] The cancel button 128 is an object for canceling the settings on the inspection setting screen 120 and returning to the print setting screen 110. The print start button 129 is an object for accepting a user input instructing the start of execution of a print job involving inspection (start of image formation).

[0056] FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the configuration of the inspection setting screen according to the first embodiment. In the second example, similar to the first example described above, the inspection setting screen 120 includes a preview section 121, a pull-down menu 122, check boxes 123, a cancel button 128, and a print start button 129. However, in the preview section 121 of the second example, a label 124b is superimposed on the preview of the reference image (the label 124b is attached to the main image). The label 124b is an attached image that indicates, by hatching, an image area determined based on the detection position of the cutting mark M1. Here, the area indicated by the label 124b is an outer area that occupies an area outside the first area corresponding to the sheet after cutting, excluding the small rectangular area occupied by the cutting mark M1. That is, the area occupied by the cutting mark M1, together with the specified area, becomes the inspection target area. The user can understand on the screen that the image area covered by this label 124b is set as an inspection exclusion area and is excluded from the image inspection, and that the cutting mark M1 is inspected. The label 124b is displayed in the preview section 121 when the check box 123 is checked, and indicates the inspection exclusion area. When the check box 123 is not checked, the preview of the main image can be displayed in the preview section 121 without the label 124b being attached.

[0057] FIG. 5C is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of the configuration of the inspection setting screen according to the first embodiment. In the third example, similar to the first and second examples described above, the inspection setting screen 120 includes a preview section 121, a pull-down menu 122, a check box 123, a cancel button 128, and a print start button 129. However, in the preview section 121 of the third example, a label 124c is superimposed on the preview of the reference image (the label 124c is given to the main image). The label 124c is an applied image that indicates, by hatching, an image area determined based on the detection position of the cutting mark M1. Here, the area indicated by the label 124c is an outer area that occupies the outside of the cutting mark M1. That is, the area occupied by the cutting mark M1, together with the specified area, becomes the inspection target area. The user can grasp on the screen that the image area covered by this label 124c is set as the inspection exclusion area and excluded from the image inspection, and that the cutting mark M1 is inspected. The label 124c is displayed in the preview section 121 when the check box 123 is checked, and indicates the inspection exclusion area. When the check box 123 is not checked, the preview of the main image can be displayed in the preview section 121 without the label 124c being given.

[0058] The cutting mark M1 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C is a mark indicating the cutting position of the sheet and has a predefined shape. One of the two L-shapes of each cutting mark M1 indicates the cutting position, and the interval between the one L-shape and the other L-shape indicates the so-called overprint width. Specifically, when focusing on the main scanning direction (the left-right direction in the figure), a pair of the L-shape offset to the right among the L-shapes of the left cutting mark M1 and the L-shape offset to the left among the L-shapes of the right cutting mark M1 (the pair of L-shapes located more inward in the main scanning direction) defines the cutting position in the main scanning direction. Also, when focusing on the sub-scanning direction (the up-down direction in the figure), a pair of the L-shape offset to the bottom among the L-shapes of the upper cutting mark M1 and the L-shape offset to the top among the L-shapes of the lower cutting mark M1 (the pair of L-shapes located more inward in the sub-scanning direction) defines the cutting position in the sub-scanning direction. When inspecting whether these cutting positions are appropriately represented, it is sufficient that at least the portion used to define the cutting position of the cutting mark M1 is included in the inspection target area, and the other portions may be included in the inspection exclusion area.

[0059] That is, in a modification of the first embodiment, at least a part of the cutting mark M1 (for example, the sides located inward in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction) is inspected in the image inspection, and the other parts than the at least a part may not be inspected. In this modification, the labels 124b and 124c displayed in the preview section 121 may indicate the second region in a form including also a part of the cutting mark M1 not inspected in the image inspection in the second region (for example, by hatching).

[0060] The area corresponding to the above-described overprint width is a margin area set with a predetermined width around the first area. The overprint width is set in advance so as to avoid a margin occurring at the edge of the sheet after cutting in the case of a cutting error (shift in the cutting position). That is, a main image can also be supplementarily formed in the margin area corresponding to the overprint width. In another modification of the first embodiment, this margin area may also be included in the inspection target area, and an area outside the margin area may be set as an inspection exclusion area. In this modification, the marks 124a and 124b displayed in the preview section 121 may indicate (for example, by hatching) a second area outside the margin area that is not inspected in the image inspection.

[0061] In any of the above-described examples, when it is determined that the main image is located outside the first area, the inspection exclusion area may be set as the area excluding the main image. In this further modification, the marks 124a to 124c displayed in the preview section 121 may indicate (for example, by hatching) a second area excluding the main image that is not inspected in the image inspection.

[0062] (3) Job execution processing FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of job execution processing according to the first embodiment. Here, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that only one side of each sheet is the inspection target. Also, in the following explanation, the processing steps are abbreviated as S (step).

[0063] The job execution process in FIG. 6 starts in S110 in response to the control device 40 receiving a printing job involving inspection. The setting unit 211 calls the inspection setting unit 312 of the inspection controller 55 for inspection-related settings. In S115, the inspection setting unit 312 acquires reference image data representing a reference image for inspection. For example, the inspection setting unit 312 may request the job control unit 213 to transmit the reference image data and receive the reference image data provided by the job control unit 213 in response to the request. Next, in S120, the inspection setting unit 312 executes an inspection setting process. The flow of the inspection setting process executed here will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 7. The inspection setting unit 312 notifies the job control unit 213 that the settings for inspection are completed. The job control unit 213 transmits the input image data to the image forming apparatus 30 and starts an image forming operation.

[0064] In S130, the image forming apparatus 30 forms an image (inspection target image) on a sheet based on the input image data received from the control apparatus 40. In S135, the reading control unit 315 of the inspection apparatus 50 waits for the sheet on which the inspection target image is formed. For example, when a sensor disposed in the conveyance path 51 detects the sheet, the process proceeds to S140. In S140, the first reading unit 54a of the inspection apparatus 50 optically reads the inspection target image formed on the sheet that has reached the reading position, and generates inspection reading image data. Next, in S145, the inspection unit 311 inspects the inspection target image by comparing the inspection target image represented by the inspection reading image data with the reference image represented by the reference image data for regions other than the inspection exclusion area. For example, when the difference between the two images satisfies the above-described defect condition, the inspection unit 311 determines that there is a defect in the inspection target image. Also, when the difference between the two images does not satisfy the defect condition, the inspection unit 311 determines that there is no defect in the inspection target image. Next, in S150, the inspection unit 311 transmits the inspection result to the job control unit 213. The job control unit 213 stores the inspection result received from the inspection unit 311 in the memory 203. Also, the job control unit 213 can control the stacker 60 to discharge the sheet on which a defect has been detected to the purge tray 66. Next, in S155, the inspection unit 311 determines whether there is a next page to be processed in the job being executed. If there is a next page, the process returns to S130. If there is no next page, the process proceeds to S160.

[0065] In S160, the job control unit 213 controls the notification unit 215 to notify the user of the inspection result. The notification unit 215 may, for example, display the inspection result on a display. Also, the notification unit 215 may output an audio message or a sound effect representing the inspection result from a speaker. Also, the notification unit 215 may transmit a text message describing the inspection result via a network. Note that when no defect is detected for all the sheets, the notification unit 215 may not perform notification. Then, the job execution process of FIG. 6 ends.

[0066] (4) Inspection setting process Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed flow of the inspection setting process that can be executed by the inspection setting unit 312 in S120 of FIG. 6. Here, it is assumed that the automatic setting of the inspection exclusion area using a predetermined mark is enabled.

[0067] First, in S121, the inspection setting unit 312 attempts to detect a predetermined mark in the reference image represented by the reference image data. The subsequent processing branches in S122 depending on whether a predetermined mark is detected in the reference image. If a predetermined mark is detected, in S127, the inspection setting unit 312 sets the image area outside the first area corresponding to the sheet after cutting as the inspection exclusion area. In this case, in the preview section 121, a preview in a form where an added image indicating the inspection exclusion area is added can be provided. If a predetermined mark is not detected in the reference image, S127 is skipped. In this case, in the preview section 121, a preview in a form where an added image indicating the inspection exclusion area is not added can be provided. The case where a predetermined mark is not detected in the reference image may include the case where the reference image does not contain the predetermined mark and the case where the reference image contains the predetermined mark but the detection fails. Next, in S129, the inspection setting unit 312 acquires other settings related to the inspection, such as the inspection level to be applied to the inspection target area. Then, the inspection setting process in FIG. 7 ends.

[0068] <4-2. Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, the inspection setting unit 312 requests the user to confirm that an image area determined based on the detected position is set as an inspection exclusion area in response to detecting a predetermined mark in the reference image. Then, as a response to the request, the inspection setting unit 312 accepts a user input instructing the setting of the inspection exclusion area. If the user does not intend to set the inspection exclusion area, the user may instruct not to set the image area based on the detection position of the predetermined mark as the inspection exclusion area. Also in the second embodiment, the inspection setting unit 312 displays a preview based on the reference image data on the display screen in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The inspection setting unit 312 may, for example, request the user to confirm whether to set the inspection exclusion area while superimposing a label indicating the detection position of the predetermined mark on the preview of the reference image.

[0069] Also in the second embodiment, for the basic settings of the print job, the print setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 4 can be provided via the display of the display device 21 or the host computer 90. When the user operates the inspection setting button 115, the print setting screen 110 transitions to the inspection setting screen 130 shown in FIG. 8.

[0070] (1) Inspection Setting Screen Referring to FIG. 8, the inspection setting screen 130 has the same configuration as the inspection setting screen 120 according to the first embodiment, and includes a preview section 121, a pull-down menu 122, a cancel button 128, and a print start button 129. Also, in the preview section 121, a label 135 indicating the detection position of the cutting mark M1 in the reference image is superimposed on the reference image.

[0071] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 8, as an example, a confirmation message 131 is superimposed on the inspection setting screen 130. The confirmation message 131 includes a text message that requests the user to confirm whether to set, as an inspection exclusion area, an image area determined based on the detection position of the cutting mark M1, that is, an area outside the four cutting marks M1. The user may, for example, confirm that the cutting mark M1 is correctly detected by looking at the label 135, and then operate the button 132 to instruct the setting of the inspection exclusion area. Alternatively, if the cutting mark M1 is not correctly detected or the user does not intend to set the inspection exclusion area, the user may operate the button 133 to instruct not to set the inspection exclusion area.

[0072] In the preview section 121, instead of (or in addition to) the label 135, the labels 124a, 124b, or 124c described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C may be displayed to indicate the image area that is a candidate for setting the inspection exclusion area. Also, when the cutting mark M1 is not correctly detected, the inspection setting unit 312 may accept user input for adjusting the position and size of the inspection exclusion area in the preview section 121.

[0073] (2) Inspection Setting Process Also in the second embodiment, the print job can be executed in the same flow as the job execution process described with reference to FIG. 6. However, when a print job involving inspection is executed, at S120, the inspection setting unit 312 executes an inspection setting process described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed flow of the inspection setting process according to the second embodiment. First, in S121, the inspection setting unit 312 attempts to detect a predetermined mark in the reference image represented by the reference image data. The subsequent processing branches depending on whether a predetermined mark is detected in the reference image in S122. If a predetermined mark is detected, in S123, the inspection setting unit 312 confirms with the user whether to set the area outside the detection position of the predetermined mark as the inspection exclusion area. The subsequent processing branches depending on whether a user input instructing the setting of the inspection exclusion area is received in S124. If a user input instructing the setting of the inspection exclusion area is received, in S127, the inspection setting unit 312 sets the image area outside the detection position of the predetermined mark as the inspection exclusion area. If a predetermined mark is not detected in the reference image or it is instructed not to set the inspection exclusion area, S127 is skipped. Next, in S129, the inspection setting unit 312 acquires other inspection-related settings such as the inspection level to be applied to the inspection target area. Then, the inspection setting process in FIG. 9 ends.

[0075] <4-3. Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, the inspection setting unit 312 receives an additional user input regarding the exception area in addition to the user input for confirmation regarding the setting of the inspection exclusion area using the predetermined mark. Then, the inspection setting unit 312 sets other image areas determined based on the additional user input as the exceptional inspection target area or the inspection exclusion area. As an example, after setting the image area determined based on the detection position of the predetermined mark (for example, the area outside the mark) as the inspection exclusion area, the inspection setting unit 312 may set a partial area within the inspection exclusion area as the exceptional inspection target area. As another example, when it is instructed not to set the image area based on the detection position of the predetermined mark as the inspection exclusion area, the inspection setting unit 312 may set other image areas determined based on the additional user input as the exceptional inspection exclusion area.

[0076] Here, as a specific example, it is assumed that the area where so-called variable data is printed is set as an exceptional inspection target area. Variable printing refers to a printing method in which some of the contents of the images formed on a plurality of sheets (for example, the name, barcode, or serial number, etc.) are made different for each sheet. The printing data for variable printing can be described, for example, in PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language) and can be composed of a master element and a variable element. The master element includes common image data across a plurality of sheets, and the variable element includes different individual image data for each sheet. When the reference image data 325 is described in PPML, the inspection setting unit 312 can know which partial area in the image is the area of the variable element (hereinafter referred to as the variable area).

[0077] Also in the third embodiment, for the basic settings of the print job, the print setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 4 can be provided via the display of the display device 21 or the host computer 90. When the user operates the inspection setting button 115, the print setting screen 110 transitions to the inspection setting screen 140 shown in FIG. 10.

[0078] (1) Inspection setting screen Referring to FIG. 10, the inspection setting screen 140 has the same configuration as the inspection setting screen 120 according to the first embodiment, and includes a preview section 121, a pull-down menu 122, a cancel button 128, and a print start button 129. Also, in the preview section 121, a marker 135 indicating the detection position of the cutting mark M1 in the reference image is superimposed on the reference image.

[0079] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 10, as an example, a confirmation message 141 is superimposed on the inspection setting screen 140. The confirmation message 141 includes a text message that asks the user whether to set only the variable area in the area outside the cutting mark M1 as the inspection target area. The user may operate the button 142 to instruct to set the variable area as an exceptional inspection target area, or may operate the button 143 to instruct not to make such a setting. When the user operates the button 142 to instruct to set the variable area as an exceptional inspection target area, the inspection setting screen 140 may transition to the inspection setting screen 150 shown in FIG. 11.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 11, the inspection setting screen 150 includes a preview section 121, a pull-down menu 152, a pull-down menu 153, a cancel button 128, and a print start button 129. Also, in the preview section 121, a label 154 indicating an image area determined based on the detection position of the cutting mark M1 and a label 155 indicating a variable area are superimposed on the preview of the reference image. The variable area, or other exception areas, may be automatically determined by the inspection setting unit 312, or may be specified by the user (for example, through a drag operation in the preview section 121). The label 154 is an applied image indicating a second area that occupies an area outside the first area corresponding to the sheet after cutting. The first area is a rectangular area inside the label 154. The image area hatched by the label 154 is set as an inspection exclusion area, provided that the variable area indicated by the label 155 is set as an exceptional inspection target area.

[0081] The pull-down menu 152 is an object for allowing a user to set, from among a plurality of candidate levels, an inspection level for a normal inspection target area (for example, an image area inside the cutting mark M1). The pull-down menu 153 is an object for allowing a user to set, from among a plurality of candidate levels, an inspection level for an exceptional inspection target area (for example, a variable area). When a plurality of exception areas are inspection targets, separate inspection levels may be selectable for each exception area.

[0082] (2) Inspection setting process Also in the third embodiment, the print job can be executed in the same flow as the job execution process described with reference to FIG. 6. However, when a print job involving inspection is executed, in S120, the inspection setting unit 312 executes an inspection setting process described with reference to FIG.

[0083] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed flow of the inspection setting process according to the third embodiment. First, in S121, the inspection setting unit 312 attempts to detect a predetermined mark in the reference image represented by the reference image data. The subsequent process branches depending on whether or not a predetermined mark is detected in the reference image in S122. When a predetermined mark is detected, in S123, the inspection setting unit 312 confirms with the user whether to set an area outside the detection position of the predetermined mark as an inspection exclusion area. The subsequent process branches depending on whether or not a user input instructing the setting of the inspection exclusion area is received in S124.

[0084] When a user input instructing not to set an inspection exclusion area is received, in S125, the inspection setting unit 312 receives a further user input regarding the exception area. When an exception area is specified by the further user input, in S126, the inspection setting unit 312 determines an inspection target area or an inspection exclusion area based on the specification of the exception area. For example, when the inspection setting unit 312 is instructed to set the variable area as an exceptional inspection target area, the margin area outside the cutting mark is set as an inspection exclusion area, provided that only the variable area within the margin area is set as an exceptional inspection target area.

[0085] When a user input for instructing the setting of an inspection exclusion area based on the detection position of a predetermined mark is received in S124, in S127, the inspection setting unit 312 sets all of the image areas outside the detection position of the predetermined mark as the inspection exclusion area.

[0086] When the predetermined mark is not detected in S122, or when no exception area is specified in S125, the inspection setting unit 312 sets all areas of the inspected image as the inspection target area.

[0087] Next, in S129, the inspection setting unit 312 acquires other settings related to the inspection, such as the inspection level to be applied to the basic inspection target area and the inspection level to be applied to each of the exception inspection target areas. Then, the inspection setting process in FIG. 12 ends.

[0088] <4-4. Modification Example> In a certain modification example, the inspection setting unit 312 may receive a user input for setting an additional area within an inspection target area that is not an inspection exclusion area based on the detection position of a predetermined mark (typically, an area inside the detection position of the predetermined mark). The additional area here may include, for example, one or more of the following: · A key inspection area where a higher inspection level is set than other inspection target areas · A simple inspection area where a lower inspection level is set than other inspection target areas · An individual setting area where some setting related to the inspection is different from other inspection target areas For these additional areas, a further UI may be provided for the user to specify individual inspection levels or other setting items.

[0089] User input for setting an additional area may be, for example, a drag or touch on the preview section 121 described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C. When receiving such user input, the inspection setting unit 312 may restrict the user input so that the designated area does not overlap with the inspection exclusion area. For example, the inspection setting unit 312 may accept the user input as a valid designation of an additional area only when the designated area is completely included in the inner area that does not overlap with the inspection exclusion area. Thereby, it becomes possible to efficiently perform a composite area setting.

[0090] <5. Summary> So far, various embodiments and examples of the technology according to the present disclosure have been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. According to the above-described embodiments, in an inspection system that inspects an inspection target image formed on a sheet by comparing reference image data and inspection read image data, an image area based on the detection position of a predetermined mark in the image is set as an inspection exclusion area. Therefore, it is not possible to incorrectly specify which image area should be the inspection target or should be excluded from the inspection. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately exclude from the inspection an area that does not affect the quality of the final product, prevent a deterioration in the yield of the product, and improve user usability and productivity.

[0091] Further, in the above-described embodiment, when receiving user input for instructing the setting of an inspection exclusion area using a predetermined mark, an image area based on the detection position of the predetermined mark may be set as the inspection exclusion area. That is, even if a predetermined mark is included in the image, the user can instruct whether to exclude the corresponding image area from the inspection. Therefore, the user can cause the system to perform an appropriate inspection according to their needs. Further, in the above-described embodiment, in response to detecting a predetermined mark, the user may be required to confirm that the corresponding image area is set as the inspection exclusion area. Therefore, when the predetermined mark is not included in the image, confirmation by the user is not required, so that unnecessary interaction can be avoided and the job can be executed quickly.

[0092] Also, in the above-described embodiment, when a preview based on reference image data is displayed on the screen of the display device, a preview screen can be provided in a form in which an additional image indicating a second region outside the first region corresponding to the sheet after cutting is added. Therefore, the user can easily identify which region corresponds to the sheet after cutting and which region will be removed by cutting. Also, confirmation of setting the second region as an inspection exclusion area can be requested from the user on the screen. Therefore, the user can determine whether to set the inspection exclusion area while viewing the preview. For example, a label indicating an image area determined based on the detection position of a predetermined mark, or a label indicating the detection position of a predetermined mark can be superimposed on the preview. Therefore, when making a determination on setting the inspection exclusion area, the user can accurately and visually recognize which part in the reference image or the image to be inspected will be excluded from the inspection.

[0093] Also, in the above-described embodiment, a region outside the detection position of a predetermined mark can be determined as an image region to be set as an inspection exclusion area. Therefore, parts that do not affect the quality of the final product, such as the margin area of the sheet or the area removed by cutting, can be surely excluded from the inspection by including a predetermined mark in the image.

[0094] Note that in this specification, an embodiment in which the CPU 301 of the inspection controller 55 functions as the inspection unit 311 has been mainly described. However, in other embodiments, the CPU 201 of the control device 40 or the processor of the host computer 90 may function as the inspection unit 311.

[0095] In addition, in this specification, an example in which the inspection setting unit 312 receives reference image data from the job control unit 213 has been mainly described. In an embodiment, the reference image data may be raster image data in bitmap format generated from the input image data of a print job. In other embodiments, the reference image data may be read image data (which may also be in bitmap format) generated by optically reading, by the inspection apparatus 50 or another reading apparatus, a reference image previously formed on a sheet. The reference image data may be generated by averaging the reading results for a plurality of sheets on which the same reference image is formed. The expression "reference image data corresponding to the input image data" does not limit the format and generation method of the reference image data in any way.

[0096] In addition, in this specification, an example in which a label indicating an inspection exclusion area is displayed in the preview section of the inspection setting screen has been mainly described, but a similar label may be displayed, for example, on a result display screen for allowing a user to view inspection results. According to such a configuration, even if a user visually inspects a sheet discharged as a normal sheet and visually recognizes dirt in the outer area, by looking at the label on the result confirmation screen, since the visually recognized dirt is located in the inspection exclusion area, it can be easily determined that the sheet is a normal sheet.

[0097] <6. Other Embodiments> The above embodiments can also be realized in a form of processing in which a program for realizing one or more functions is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) for realizing one or more functions.

[0098] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0099] 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K: Image forming unit, 20: Operation unit, 21: Display device, 30: Image forming apparatus, 40: Control device, 50: Inspection device, 54a, 54b: Reading unit, 55: Inspection controller, 60: Stacker, 70: Finisher (post-processing device), 75: Post-processing unit, 100: Inspection system, 120, 130, 140, 150: Inspection setting screen, 121: Preview section, 211: Setting unit, 311: Inspection unit, 312: Inspection setting unit, 325: Reference image data, 327: Inspection read image data

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a reading unit that reads the image formed on the sheet; A controller; Equipped with The controller: acquiring reference image data for image inspection for inspecting the image formed on the sheet; performing the image inspection on the reading result by the reading unit based on the acquired reference image data; controlling a display to display a preview screen associated with said imaging examination; When the image includes a mark indicating a cutting position of the sheet, the preview screen A main image including the mark; An additional image is added to the main image, the additional image indicating a second area outside a first area corresponding to the sheet after cutting; Including, When it is determined that the main image is located outside the first area, the second area is an area excluding the main image. Inspection system.

2. The inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the second region is not inspected in the image inspection.

3. The inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the second area is an area excluding the mark.

4. The inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the second region is an area outside the mark.

5. The inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the additive image indicates the second region on the preview screen with hatching.

6. The inspection system of claim 1 , wherein if the image does not include a mark indicating a cutting position of the sheet, the controller controls the display to display a preview screen associated with the image inspection that does not include the added image.

7. The inspection system of claim 1 , wherein if the mark is not detected in the image, the controller controls the display to display a preview screen associated with the image inspection that does not include the annotation image.

8. The inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the controller controls the display to display the preview screen including the added image when a user setting is received to exclude the second region from the image inspection.

9. The inspection system according to claim 8 , wherein the preview screen further includes an object for allowing a user to set whether or not to exclude the second region from the image inspection.

10. The inspection system of claim 9, wherein the controller controls the display to display the preview screen including the added image when the mark is detected in the image when the user setting to exclude the second region from the image inspection is received via the object.

11. The inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the preview screen further includes an indicator indicating a location of the mark.

12. The inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the preview screen further includes an object that accepts a user input that instructs initiation of formation of the image on the sheet.

13. The inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the preview screen further includes an object for allowing a user to set an inspection level of the image inspection.

14. The inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the reading section reads the image on the sheet while transporting the sheet.

15. The reading unit reads another sheet on which a reference image is formed, and generates the reference image data; The controller acquires the reference image data generated by the reading unit. The inspection system of claim 1 .

16. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a reading unit that reads the image formed on the sheet; A controller; Equipped with The controller: acquiring reference image data for image inspection for inspecting the image formed on the sheet; performing the image inspection on the reading result by the reading unit based on the acquired reference image data; controlling a display to display a preview screen associated with said imaging examination; When the image includes a mark indicating a cutting position of the sheet, the preview screen A main image including the mark; An additional image is added to the main image, the additional image indicating a second area outside a first area corresponding to the sheet after cutting; Including, At least a portion of the mark is inspected in the image inspection. Inspection system.

17. The inspection system of claim 16, wherein portions of the mark other than at least a portion thereof are not inspected in the image inspection.

18. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a reading unit that reads the image formed on the sheet; A controller; Equipped with The controller: acquiring reference image data for image inspection for inspecting the image formed on the sheet; performing the image inspection on the reading result by the reading unit based on the acquired reference image data; controlling a display to display a preview screen associated with said imaging examination; When the image includes a mark indicating a cutting position of the sheet, the preview screen A main image including the mark; An additional image is added to the main image, the additional image indicating a second area outside a first area corresponding to the sheet after cutting; Including, the second region is an area outside a margin area that is set to a predetermined width around the first region, and the width of the margin area is set in advance so as to avoid the occurrence of a margin at an edge of the sheet after cutting. Inspection system.

Images